Editorial: Rates-capping, or kneecapping our councils?

PremiumEditorialEditorialNZ Herald28 Aug, 2026 05:00 PM4 mins to readLocal Government Minister Simon Watts says the rates cap is about certainty and reining in council 'nice to have' spending. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAYThis week, amid the whirlpool of local government reform our councils are currently navigating, came another factor for them to consider.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced council rates increases would be capped at 4%, putting, in his words, “a brake on excessive increases and giving

Editorial: Rates-capping, or kneecapping our councils?

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